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Topic Review (Newest First)

12-22-2012 04:03 PM

malc

Original post was 10-30-2003, 09:52 PM and the guy hasīnt been around here in years.

12-22-2012 12:15 PM

rustman

I have an Optima Red top that I bought 4 1/2 years ago and it has been great but you should be aware that it does have vents. On the opposite side of the male posts you will see round protrusions with a poress material inside them. These are the vents. I learned this from the Optima factory yesterday. I also learned that when you mount the battery the factory recommends that these vents be mounted so that they are toward the top. Sooooo when they say that the battery can be mounted in any position this is true but you may experience some acid leakage at the bottom of the battery if you mount the battery with the vents at the lower part of the battery as I did.

11-03-2003 08:48 AM

horvath

Hey, Mark

I had to make my battery tray wider to accommodate the Optima ... and I use a piece of V-shaped aluminum for the hold-down (covered it with red electrical tape.

Trees again you have inspired me! I don't know why I never thought of that myself.. Brain fade I guess...

Will the Optima fit on a standard battery tray? I think I can make a hold down out of u channel aluminum. Or do you use the nylon tie down straps?

Regards
Mark

11-02-2003 08:20 AM

302 Z28

I like your system Trees, that is exactly what I am looking at for my 34.

Vince

11-02-2003 07:57 AM

trees

I have been using Optima Bats for several years because my batteries are inside my coupe and PU. No fumes, no vents, no corrosion and very good service life. You need to read the fine print on charging. They do not like fast/quick charge and will die a sudden death after about the 2nd or 3rd one (been there, done that). I prefer the Yellow Top ( deep cycle) for my street rods because of the sometimes inactive periods and the constant discharge of sound system and efi memory circuits. The CCA is almost as good as the Red Tops. I also like the side post/top post capability since I use the side posts for starter and main ground leads and the top posts to feed my electrical control panel.which I locate near the battery for easy access vice on the fire wall behind the dash.

Trees

11-02-2003 01:44 AM

lust4speed

The only thing that bothered me was Costco was getting the same price for the batteries as the auto parts stores around town. I wonder why they are not giving us a price break?

11-01-2003 02:44 PM

horvath

Hey, Bro'

I put an Optima RedTop in my truck earlier this year. After researching batteries, I couldn't find anything that would top the Optima -- I believe it's the best battery available today. I had to make the batt-box in my truck larger (the original wasn't wide enough) ... otherwise, it works just fine -- my truck starts like a champ!

HEY JAG: I bought a 6 volt unit for my 1954 Chrysler because it sits around a lot and lead acid battery would run down quite often. It doesn't self discharge so it will last a long time. I then bought a 12 volt for my 38 Lafayette street rod because I was having hot start problems and wanted the higher cranking power. I am completely satisfied with both applications and I am using battery disconnect switches on both vehicles just to be sure of no circuit drain. They initially cost more but you will not have to replace them like lead acid units.....DAVE

10-31-2003 09:20 AM

hotwheels55

I didn't mean to imply that an OPTIMA can't fail...anything manmade has that ability, but an OPTIMA probably won't fail due to the typical weaknesses of a lead acid type battery.
Since an OPTIMA is usually smaller than an oem type battery, you may have to alter your oem type hold down/tray. The OPTIMA (from COSTCO) typically comes with two red plastic adapters that may allow you to use you oem hold down/tray without much modification.
You can also do that as others suggested or if you want to spend the money, there are several billet type brackets that are OPTIMA specific.
If you intend to trunk mount your OPTIMA, then a battery box will be a good idea. I used a generic black plastic battery box for my OPTIMA, but RB'S OBSOLETE has a really nice compact ABS battery box now. http://www.rbsauto.com/

10-31-2003 04:13 AM

zonk

Made mine,you might be able just to use your old box,put new battery in old,maybe screw small piece of bent steel tight against battery,your hold down may still work

10-30-2003 11:34 PM

Jag Daddy

Optima's sound the way to go, I'll need to replace the Jag's battery box and bottom plate. Which brings me to the next question. Did you have to change your battery hold down and bottom plate because of the size difference? I don't mind the battery being smaller I could use the room.

Regards
Mark

10-30-2003 09:49 PM

302 Z28

No prob Brad.

Vince

10-30-2003 07:41 PM

Stroked_Jeep

Vince,

This was one guys opinion that used Optima's in the past . I don't have first hand experience on this battery. Probably shouldn't have thrown that unreliable info. out there.

Brad

10-30-2003 07:31 PM

302 Z28

The shorter life is the first time I have heard that comment. I have heard nothing but praise from people who have them.

Vince

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